His Grace the Most Reverend BishopGibran (Ramlawey) of Australia and New Zealand (September 14, 1931 – January 16, 1999) was the exarch of the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand from 1969-1999.

Timeline

Early Life and Education

1948 - Gibran graduates from Saint Elias Orthodox College, and enters the monastic order under tutelage of Metropolitan Theodosius of Tripoli. Brother Gibran serves as his personal secretary until 1953.

1954 - Br. Gibran graduates from College of Three Hierarchs in Beirut, with diploma in psychology and philosophy.

Archim. Gibran also teaches French at Johnstown branch of University of Pittsburgh, and continues postgraduate work at Duquesne University. He also serves as president of Council of Orthodox Clergy of Greater Johnstown.

1966 - Archim. Gibran assigned to St. George Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

His headstone records his date of repose as 14 January 1999; however, a coronial inquiry found that he died "on or about 16 January 1999, of ischaemic heart disease".

He was found on the morning of Saturday 16 January 1999 by Subdeacon Hanna and Father Elias both of Saint Nicholas Church Punchbowl. Subdeacon Hanna says there was fresh blood on the floor where he hit his head after passing out. Subdeacon Hanna says it was obvious he had died that morning.

Difficulties with name

Bishop Gibran was born in an Arabic speaking country. His name was written in Arabic. There is no standard for translation of Arabic names into the French language or the English language. In Australia his surname was usually spelt Ramlawey. This spelling is used on his Australian passport, his NSW death certificate, and his gravestone. His passport and his death certificate are held in the Australian Archdiocesan Archives.